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This page lists bird related books and books about the environment that have an ornithologigal element that are published, in English, by KNNV Uitgeverij.

KNNV Uitgeverij are a Dutch publisher that specialise in books on wildlife, nature and conservation

The books are listed by date of publication with the most recent at the top of the page.

The Pursuit of Complexity: The Utility of Biodiversity an Evolutionary Perspective

Gerard Jagers

2012

"What use is biodiversity, and does it matter if species die out? These controversial questions arouse considerable debate. Most people believe they represent a moral dilemma, but The Pursuit of Complexity shows that it is possible to explore them in a scientific way. Author Gerard Jagers op Akkerhuis takes us back to the underlying fundamental questions: What actually is usefulness, or utility? What is evolution? What is life? What is biodiversity? And how important are human beings in all this? According to him we have to look at evolution in an entirely different way. If we do that we see that it follows predictable patterns, and that it is possible to anticipate the next stage in the evolutionary process. His surprising answers and provocative predictions keep the reader in suspense. He invites us to engage in a new type of discussion, one that encompasses not only the scientific and philosophical issues, but also their practical implications for nature conservation. The Pursuit of Complexity is written in clear terms for a broad audience, from biologists and nature conservationists, philosophers, futurists, researchers and students to politicians, policymakers and anyone with an interest in nature and curious about what constitutes life."

The Reed Warblers: Diversity in a Uniform Bird Family

Leisler Bernd and Karl Schulze-Hagen

2011

"To the untrained eye, all reed warblers may look alike. Anyone who takes a closer look will quickly realize that there is in fact an amazing spectrum of different ecological and adaptive strategies across the world´s 53 species. Members of the reed warbler family have been models for this diversity in a large number of biological studies of avian lifestyles. Many of these have resulted in outstanding findings and set new standards in behavioural and evolutionary ecology. The authors rise to the challenge of determining how the members of the family have diversified by comparing their relationships and ecologies. This comparative approach runs like a thread throughout this book and touches on almost all biological aspects, ranging from habitat use, competition and communication to reproduction and brood parasitism, mating systems, migration, population dynamics, island life and convergent evolution. The life strategies of these ‘little brown jobs' exemplify some of the key topics in 21st century ornithology."

Living on the Edge: Wetlands and Birds in a Changing Sahel

Leo Zwarts, Rob G Bijlsma, Jan van der Kamp and Eddy Wymenga

2009

"What do Siberian-breeding ruffs, Ukrainian glossy ibises, Dutch purple herons and Spanish subalpine warblers have in common? They all winter in Africa's Sahel! You will find this information, and much more in Living on the edge, a tribute to the region's function as an important wintering area for long-distance migrants. This fascinating book describes the challenges the birds have to cope with: climate change, of course, and rapid man-made habitat changes related to deforestation, irrigation and reclamation of wetlands. How have all these changes affected the birds, and have birds adapted to these changes? Can we explain the changing numbers of breeding birds in Europe by changes in the Sahel, or vice versa? This book will answer more questions than you will be able to raise."

Grasslands in Europe of High Nature Value

Editor: P. Veen, R. Jefferson, J. de Smidt and J. van der Straaten

2009

"About half of Europe's endemic species depend on grasslands, whether in mountains, lowlands, river plains or coastal areas. Many grasslands originate in traditional agricultural landscapes. Modern intensification, however, brings many of these ecosystems under threat. Grasslands in Europe - of high nature value is a tribute to these important ecosystems. It was written by an international team of grassland experts, who describe twenty-four case studies from countries in all of Europe. Together, these case studies provide a fascinating glimpse into the various European grasslands, their value for nature, culture and agriculture, and the threats they are facing today. The accessible text as well as the rich illustrations will appeal to a wide audience. Grasslands in Europe contains a large number of stunning full-colour photographs of grassland landscapes, species and cultural history. It also contains many maps and infographics. Thematic chapters provide essential background information on topics such as grassland fauna, the history of agriculture, grassland communities, and the connection between grasslands and climate."

Europe's Living Landscapes: Essays Exploring our Identity in the Countryside

Editor: Bas Pedroli, Anne van Doorn and Geert de Blust

2007

"Landscape is one of the most fascinating assets of Europe. Its great diversity reflects a multitude of historical layers in an intricate spatial pattern. It means that, even in our globalised era, one evolves according to where one has grown up: a Greek fishing village gives us a different identity from growing up in the English countryside. Our sense of belonging is very much determined by the environment to which we are accustomed, and our perception of the landscape is thus an essential component of a community's well-being, and of visitors' enjoyment. However, this diverse European landscape is changing rapidly. The old activities still reflected in the landscape are no longer efficient, and new functions tend to be dominated by new consumer demands, followed and enhanced by national and European policies. In many areas this leads to loss of identity and to less sympathetic landscapes, but in others a new sense of self and belonging is being discovered in new social structures for watching over the landscape and counteracting the processes that lead to homogenisation and the decline into banality. Balancing the existing assets of the European landscape against the societal need for change is the challenge. Members of Landscape Europe International Network of Expertise on Landscapes, and other recognised landscape specialists, have focused on the landscape as they perceive it, on the practical problems that they experience in it, and on the solutions that they have discovered in their regular dialogue with the inhabitants. The authors of this book explore the identity of these landscapes and the way that this can be restored and reinforced. This book is meant as a source of inspiration for policy makers, landscape managers, researchers and citizens, in the pursuit of sustainable living landscapes in Europe."

Biological Globalisation: Bio-Invasions and their Impacts on Nature, the Economy and Public Health

Wouter van der Weijden, Rob Leewis and Pieter Bol

2007

"Bioglobalisation is anything but new. The exotic fungus Phytophtora has threatened European potato harvests since 1846, while the Mongolian conqueror Kublai Khan, as early as the thirteenth century, was known to collect live trees on his travels and replant them in Beijing. Since then, the number of deliberate and accidental introductions of exotic species has grown rapidly. Environmental factors such as climate change also play an increasing role. This book is a thorough and informative overview of all aspects of bioglobalisation. It describes its nature and scope, as well as history, drivers and mechanisms. Using vivid examples, the book addresses which species are likely to become invasive, which bioregions are vulnerable, and whether we can - and should - try to control bio-invasions."

Shorebirds: An Illustrated Behavioural Ecology

Jan van de Kam, Bruno Ens, Theunis Piersma and Leo Zwarts

2004

"Shorebirds are the most visible inhabitants of coastal wetlands worldwide. Many undertake spectacularly long flights between their wintering and breeding grounds, embodying the miracle of long-distance migration in a profound way. In this illustrated behavioural ecology the migration, feeding and breeding of these birds are explained in a comprehensive but simple and visually stunning form. The core of the book is based on studies of shorebirds and other waterbirds (such as ducks, geese and gulls) that migrate along the East Atlantic Flyway. The emphasis is on those using the Dutch, German and Danish Wadden Sea; examples from the rest of the world are also included. The authors are experts in the fields of bird migration, shorebird behaviour and intertidal ecology, and have contributed much to our current understanding of these subjects. The 300 magnificent portraits of waterbirds in action were taken by Jan van de Kam, one of The Netherlands' foremost wildlife photographers."